Job summaryJoin us at a pivotal time for Adult Social Care in Salford!
Salford City Council is strengthening its Adult Social Care leadership as part of a wider programme of service development, integration and improvement across mental health services. We are recruiting to a number of key roles across our Mental Health Social Work and AMHP services. These roles sit at the heart of delivering statutory responsibilities, improving practice quality and shaping how services operate across the wider system.
Main duties of the jobThis is an opportunity to: Be part of a stable and experienced leadership teamContribute to meaningful service improvement and changeWork in a system where partnership working is critical and valuedInfluence how services are delivered at both operational and strategic levelsWe recognise the pressures within Adult Social Care and are committed to creating an environment that balances high support with high challenge, enabling staff to deliver safe, effective and person-centred services. About usPrincipal Manager Mental Health Social Work ServiceSalford City Council | Adult Social Care and Health PartnershipsGrade 5C | 61,211 - 63,368Location: Civic Centre, SwintonWe are recruiting to a key senior leadership role within Adult Social Care, providing strategic and operational leadership across Mental Health Social Work services and the AMHP Hub.
This is a high-impact role, responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of statutory duties under the Care Act, Mental Health Act and associated legislation, while driving service improvement, performance and partnership working across the system.
DetailsDate posted08 October 2026Pay schemeOtherSalary
61,211 to 63,368 a year
Salford City Council 5C
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time,
Flexible working
Reference numberF0070-26-0008Job locationsUnity House, Civic CentreChorley RoadSwintonGreater ManchesterM27 5AWUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesAbout the roleAs Principal Manager, you will: Provide overall leadership and oversight of Mental Health Social Work and the AMHP serviceBe accountable for service performance, quality, and continuous improvementLead organisational change, improvement programmes and service development aligned to strategic prioritiesWork closely with partners across health, police and wider systems to ensure effective, coordinated deliveryUse data, insight and evidence to drive high standards of practice and decision-makingRepresent the service at a senior level, including in complex forums such as safeguarding, MAPPA and multi-agency panelsYou will play a central role in ensuring services are safe, legally compliant, financially sustainable and focused on outcomes for adults.
What were looking forWe are seeking a credible and experienced senior leader who: Has substantial experience within Adult Social Care and statutory mental health servicesBrings strong knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated frameworksHas a proven track record of leading services through change and improvementIs confident operating in complex, high-demand environments, balancing risk, performance and system pressuresCan build strong, effective relationships across organisational boundariesDemonstrates clear, values-based leadership, with the ability to motivate, challenge and support teamsYou will be comfortable working at pace, navigating ambiguity, and making informed decisions in complex situations.
Why SalfordThis is an opportunity to: Shape and influence mental health social work services at scaleWork within a system that values partnership, innovation and continuous improvementLead experienced teams delivering critical statutory functionsContribute to wider transformation across Adult Social CareWe recognise the demands of the role and are committed to providing: Strong peer and senior leadership supportOpportunities for continued professional developmentA culture focused on high support, high challenge and continuous learningInterested?
We encourage informal conversations prior to application; please get in touch with John Fenby (j.fenby@salford.gov.uk), 07423 117 614) with any questions. These are important leadership positions and we want you to fully understand both the expectations and the opportunity.
To apply, please submit your latest CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability to the role requirements via the greater.jobs platform.
Want to know more about Salford?
As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. Youll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!
Privacy Statement and Data ProtectionOur core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the councils primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at
Job description
Job responsibilitiesAbout the roleAs Principal Manager, you will: Provide overall leadership and oversight of Mental Health Social Work and the AMHP serviceBe accountable for service performance, quality, and continuous improvementLead organisational change, improvement programmes and service development aligned to strategic prioritiesWork closely with partners across health, police and wider systems to ensure effective, coordinated deliveryUse data, insight and evidence to drive high standards of practice and decision-makingRepresent the service at a senior level, including in complex forums such as safeguarding, MAPPA and multi-agency panelsYou will play a central role in ensuring services are safe, legally compliant, financially sustainable and focused on outcomes for adults.
What were looking forWe are seeking a credible and experienced senior leader who: Has substantial experience within Adult Social Care and statutory mental health servicesBrings strong knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and associated frameworksHas a proven track record of leading services through change and improvementIs confident operating in complex, high-demand environments, balancing risk, performance and system pressuresCan build strong, effective relationships across organisational boundariesDemonstrates clear, values-based leadership, with the ability to motivate, challenge and support teamsYou will be comfortable working at pace, navigating ambiguity, and making informed decisions in complex situations.
Why SalfordThis is an opportunity to: Shape and influence mental health social work services at scaleWork within a system that values partnership, innovation and continuous improvementLead experienced teams delivering critical statutory functionsContribute to wider transformation across Adult Social CareWe recognise the demands of the role and are committed to providing: Strong peer and senior leadership supportOpportunities for continued professional developmentA culture focused on high support, high challenge and continuous learningInterested?
We encourage informal conversations prior to application; please get in touch with John Fenby (j.fenby@salford.gov.uk), 07423 117 614) with any questions. These are important leadership positions and we want you to fully understand both the expectations and the opportunity.
To apply, please submit your latest CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability to the role requirements via the greater.jobs platform.
Want to know more about Salford?
As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. Youll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!
Privacy Statement and Data ProtectionOur core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the councils primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at Specification
Qualifications
Essential- Social Work qualification, recognised by Social Work England - Professional Registration - Registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England - Desirable Education to Masters / Fellowship level. Diploma in management. - A post Qualification specialism e.g. AMHP, BIA, Practice Educator.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential- Social Work qualification, recognised by Social Work England - Professional Registration - Registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England - Desirable Education to Masters / Fellowship level. Diploma in management. - A post Qualification specialism e.g. AMHP, BIA, Practice Educator.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameSalford City CouncilAddressUnity House, Civic CentreChorley RoadSwintonGreater ManchesterM27 5AWUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameSalford City CouncilAddressUnity House, Civic CentreChorley RoadSwintonGreater ManchesterM27 5AWUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Principal Manager - Adult Social Care Teams in Manchester employer: National Health Service
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